Hurricane Clean-up

Hurricane Season

Unfortunately, the Atlantic Hurricane season runs through half of the year beginning in June and not ending until the end of November. During this time, many of us Floridians start a hurricane preparedness kit and have already taken the necessary steps to secure our homes and yards prior to hurricane’s arrival. However, many people don’t prepare for after the storm and have the necessary supplies to begin the hurricane clean-up process.

Proper Clean-Up Clothing

One thing that many people don’t think about is having the proper clothing and gear needed to safely remove debris. Not only will it be important to stay protected from the hazardous fallen obstacles, but it’s also important to keep in mind that there will likely be contaminated water, insects and even wildlife that presents a dangerous aspect. According to the Red Cross, here are a few clothing items to be sure you have on hand:

1. Long pants
2. Long sleeve shirts
3. Sturdy work boots or shoes
4. Work gloves
5. Eye protection
6. Disposable masks
7. Hardhats

Proper Hurricane Clean-Up Tools and Supplies

In addition to having the right clothing and tools, be sure to also have the following cleaning supplies available, especially while we’re in the middle of this pandemic:

1. Detergent
2. Bleach
3. Shopvac
4. Sponges
5. Buckets
6. Rubber gloves
7. Mops and brooms
8. Shovels and rakes
9. Carpet knife
10. Heavy-duty trash bags

Starting the hurricane clean-up process

Although the hurricane clean-up process can be extremely overwhelming at first, it’s best to start by tackling one area at a time and starting with the biggest issue first. Before re-entering the home, you’ll need to ensure that it is structurally sound and that there aren’t any electrical hazards. Then you can begin with the following tasks:

1. Open the doors and windows to air it out
2. Remove any water, mud, debris and trash
3. Clean hard surfaces thoroughly with hot soapy water then again with disinfectants
4. Throw out all food, beverages, baby supplies or meds that have been exposed to any water
5. Inspect any appliances that were damaged by flood waters and have them examined by a professional before using them

Water Damage

Not only is water damage unsanitary, but it can also turn dangerous due to the risk of it forming mold or mildew. It’s highly recommended to dispose of all items that have absorbed water and can not be disinfected (i.e. mattresses, carpeting, soft toys, etc.). Additionally, drywall and insulation will likely need to be removed and replaced as well as vinyl flooring. At any rate, remember to keep the windows and doors open as much as possible and turn on fans in order to help remove moisture from the home.

Ordering a Dumpster Rental

In the unfortunate event that the Tampa Bay area has some storm impact, give us a call. We offer exceptional next-day service which can help get that clean-up project started. Renting a Tampa dumpster rental is fast and easy and we also have a wide variety of dumpster rental sizes from which you can choose. Please visit our website at www.tampabtdt.com or call us at 727-475-1080 where one of our professional dumpster rental consultants can assist you with scheduling a dumpster delivery.